connect up

connect the dots

1. Literally, to draw a line between dots, often as part of a children's activity to create an illustration or design. The kids are having fun connecting the dots and making pretty pictures for us.

2. To understand something by piecing together hints or other bits of information. Once I started to connect the dots, I realized that, if they hadn't called me by now, I probably wasn't getting the job.

connect (up) to (someone or something)

1. To physically join people or things together. A noun or pronoun can be used between "connect" and "to." The handcuffs kept the thief connected to the chair as he was questioned.If you don't connect this piece to that one, the base will be lopsided.

2. To be involved in or linked to something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "connect" and "to." Once he became connected to that scandal, his political career was over.

3. To successfully access a connection to something, such as electricity or the Internet. A noun or pronoun can be used between "connect" and "to." I'm having a hard time connecting to the Wi-Fi here.

connect (up) with (someone or something)

1. To have a positive or meaningful connection with someone, often quickly. I just don't connect with those people—I doubt we have anything in common.I connected with Ashley immediately, and we've been best friends ever since.

2. To communicate with someone. I've been having a hard time connecting with Stephanie, since she's been out of the office every time I've tried to call her.

3. To form a relationship or a group. I'm sure you'll be able to connect with other photography enthusiasts in your new town.

connect someone or something(up) to someone or something

and connect someone or something(up) with someone or something

1.Lit. to connect people or things in any combination, physically or by wires. The nurse connected Maggie up to the electrocardiograph.Eric connected the machine to the wall plug.The receptionist connected my call up to Susan.

2.Fig. to make a mental connection between people and things in any combination. I connected myself up to a person with similar interests.I often connect up Bob to sailing, because I first met him on a boat.

3.Fig. to argue that someone or something is linked to a criminal or a criminal act. I can connect Eric to the crime.The police connected the stolen goods to Susan.

connect (up) to something

to attach to something; to attach or link something to some electrical device or electrical signal. When we finish the house, we will connect up to the utilities.We have to connect to the Internet ourselves.

connect (up) with someone or something

1. to form an association with someone or a group. (The up is informal.) Let's connect up with some other people and form an organization through which we can express our views.We need to connect with like-minded people that can help us with our problems.

2. to meet with someone or a group; to communicate with someone or a group, especially over the telephone. I tried to connect up with Bob over the phone, but I could never reach him.We could not connect with the council to discuss these matters.

connect (with someone)

Fig. to meet someone; to talk to someone on the telephone. Let's try to connect on this matter tomorrow.We finally connected and discussed the matter fully over dinner.

connect (with the ball)

[for a batter] to hit a baseball. Wally connected for a double.He swung, but didn't connect with the ball.

connect the ˈdots

(British English also join (up) the ˈdots) find or show the relationships between different things: It’s not hard to connect the dots between crime and poverty. ▶ connect-the-ˈdots adj.: a connect-the-dots article

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